Welcome back to The Criminal Connection Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with a true legend of British film and television, Perry Benson. From Scum to Love, Honour and Obey and Benidorm, Perry has had a long and colorful career. He shares incredible stories from his decades in the industry, working with icons like Jack Nicholson, Russell Crowe, and Bob Hoskins. Buckle up for an insightful and hilarious conversation!
Perry Benson: A True British Film Legend
Perry Benson has been a familiar face in British entertainment for over four decades. Known for his roles in gritty crime dramas and cult classics, he has worked alongside some of the biggest names in film and television. Whether it's his early days in Scum or his unforgettable performances in Benidorm, Perry has carved out a place in British pop culture history.
Getting Started in Acting
Born and raised in London, Perry’s entry into acting wasn’t conventional. He recalls how he and his friends used to hang around in Islington, where a chance encounter with Charles Verrall, the husband of famed drama teacher Anna Scher, led him into the world of acting. What started as a way to score free biscuits turned into a lifelong career!
Anna Scher’s drama school was a breeding ground for talent, producing stars like Linda Robson and Pauline Quirke. It gave young actors a real opportunity to work in television and film, and Perry quickly found himself landing roles in major productions.
Early Work: TV and Theatre
Perry cut his teeth in television with appearances in Grange Hill, Dixon of Dock Green, and Poldark. However, it was his work in theatre that truly shaped his career. He performed at the Royal Court Theatre, where he even had the chance to impress Jack Nicholson, who came to watch one of his performances.
“I remember the director coming in and saying, ‘Jack Nicholson’s in.’ And we were like, ‘Don’t tell us that before we go on!’”
Iconic Film Roles: Scum and Love, Honour and Obey
One of Perry’s most memorable roles was in Scum (1979), the gritty Borstal drama starring Ray Winstone. The film, which tackled the brutal realities of young offenders’ institutions, remains a cult classic.
“People still come up to me in the street and shout lines from Scum or Love, Honour and Obey, which is mad,” Perry says. “That scene in Love, Honour and Obey where I’m talking about martial arts and then get stabbed – people love that one.”
The 90s saw him team up with Ray Winstone again in Final Cut and Love, Honour and Obey, two crime thrillers that helped define the British gangster film genre. These films showcased Perry’s ability to blend dark humor with serious drama.
Working with Legends: Bob Hoskins, Jack Nicholson, and Russell Crowe
Perry has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry. He shared a fascinating story about meeting Jack Nicholson while performing in Class Enemy at the Royal Court Theatre. Jack loved the play so much that he invited Perry to visit the set of The Shining.
Another highlight of Perry’s career was working with Bob Hoskins on Outside Bet. Bob was a legendary actor, known for his roles in The Long Good Friday and Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
“He just had this way of observing people, didn’t say much, but he was always watching. He had no time for social media, though—thought it was a load of nonsense!” Perry recalls.
Perry also had a bizarre experience casting Russell Crowe in a production of The Rocky Horror Show in New Zealand. Crowe’s mother even challenged him to a wrestling match in front of the whole family!
Comedy and TV: Benidorm and Beyond
Many fans recognize Perry from Benidorm, the hit ITV comedy set in a Spanish holiday resort. He played Clive Dyke in the show and quickly became a fan favorite.
“People always come up to me and talk about Benidorm. It’s on Netflix now, so new audiences are discovering it all the time.”
He also had major roles in Heidi High, You Rang, M'Lord?, and Operation Good Guys, proving his versatility as both a dramatic and comedic actor.
The Changing Film Industry and AI in Acting
The film industry has changed dramatically over the years, and Perry has seen it all. From the rise of streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime to the recent Hollywood strikes over AI and fair pay, he has a unique perspective on how things have evolved.
“They want to use AI to replace actors,” Perry warns. “You do one day’s work, and they own your image forever. That’s not right.”
With independent films struggling against big-budget Hollywood productions, Perry believes actors and creatives need to fight for fair pay and recognition.
The Future: What’s Next for Perry Benson?
Despite being in the industry for decades, Perry shows no signs of slowing down. He has a couple of upcoming projects, including a film and a TV series, though he remains tight-lipped about the details.
When asked if he plans to direct more after his short film, he admits, “Directing’s not really my thing. I love performing, that’s where I belong.”
Conclusion
Perry Benson is a true icon of British film and television. From cult classics to mainstream hits, he has done it all and has the stories to prove it. His experiences working with legends like Jack Nicholson, Bob Hoskins, and Russell Crowe offer a fascinating glimpse into the industry.
Whether he’s making audiences laugh in Benidorm or shocking them in Scum, Perry remains one of the most beloved and versatile actors in the business. Be sure to follow his upcoming work, and if you ever see him in a pub, just don’t challenge him to a wrestling match!